Grace Vargas Senior Center naming ceremony Saturday

The Rialto Senior Center is getting a new name Saturday.

The ‘Grace Vargas Senior Center’ will officially be unveiled during a naming celebration planned from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 22 at the center, 1411 South Riverside Ave.

City Administrator Mike Story will host as master of ceremonies as the event begins with remarks from city officials including Mayor Deborah Robertson, Mayor Pro Tem Joe Baca Jr. and councilmen Ed Palmer and Ed Scott.

Vargas is scheduled to offer remarks after the unveiling.

The name change for the center is in honor of Vargas’ long history in the city.

Vargas began her role in the city in the late 1970’s as a clerk in the City Clerk’s office. She was then promoted as clerk for the Rialto Police Department, the City Treasurer’s office and in 1979 became the city’s licensing inspector.

Wanting to make a difference in the Rialto community, Vargas ran for city council and was elected in 1998 and in 2000, was elected as the city’s first woman mayor and first hispanic mayor. Vargas was reelected in 2004 and 2008.

According to city officials, Vargas, know as “Amazing Grace,” is known for her heart of gold, her tenacity, strength, passion and desire to be a good mother, savvy business owner and dedicated public servant.

The naming celebration is open to community members. To learn more, call 909-877-9706.